Avellon Williams
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI- In the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on August 14, there is renewed hope for the recovery of hundreds of families as they will be able to have clean, safe drinking water, thanks to a donation of £25,000 from the Freemasons to the Red Cross.
Approximately 650,000 Haitians have been affected by the earthquake, and humanitarian assistance is urgently needed. There has been considerable structural damage reported, especially in the southernmost cities of Jérémie and Les Cayes. Here, 53,000 homes have been destroyed and another 77,000 damaged, along with severe damage to major infrastructures such as roads and bridges.
The crisis has been made worse by severe damage to health facilities and a loss of access to safe water and sanitation that has resulted from mudslides and flooding.
As part of its response, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) and United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) are assisting the Red Cross Movement by side distributing relief goods, ensuring good water, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent diseases from spreading, and providing healthcare to those in need.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located 12km northeast of Saint-Louis du Sud. A magnitude of 7.2 was recorded. Jamaica and Cuba felt the tremors hundreds of kilometers away. It is Haiti’s strongest earthquake since 2010 when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the city of Port-au-Prince. This is the country’s third major earthquake since 2010.
In addition to improving access to clean water, the Red Cross has reached over 40,000 people with blankets, tarpaulins, kitchen kits, and hygiene kits to provide shelter and hygiene support.
The grant was made possible through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends, from across England and Wales.
According to Luke Tredget, Head of Emergencies, Surge, and Technical Advisory for the Red Cross, “We’re very grateful to the Freemasons for this generous grant which makes a significant contribution to the Red Cross relief effort in Haiti.”
“Providing clean water is one of the essential steps to preventing the spread of cholera and other deadly waterborne diseases, which can be devastating to children and others who are vulnerable.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Les Hutchinson, said, “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross with their vital work in Haiti. Tens of thousands of people need help, and clean water is of paramount importance after a disaster like this.”
Adding, “ I’m proud that the Freemasons preserve our proud record of helping people around the world when disaster strikes.”
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